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Milan is the gateway to northern Italy and even southern Switzerland. Three airports serve the region, and each offers various options for reaching central Milan as well as making connections further afield.

Where do I start?

First you’ll need to know where you’re landing.

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the most likely choice; 20 million passengers (or almost half of those flying to Milan) land at this airport, some 49km northwest of central Milan. The two terminals each have rail stations, bus stops and taxi stands. Most long-distance international flights use this airport.Malpensa Airport terminal map

Milan Linate Airport (LIN) is Milan’s nearest airport located 7km east of the city centre. Small in size, it’s service is limited to domestic and a modest number of European flights. Buses and taxis link it to Milan.Linate Airport terminal map

Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) is the surprising third-busiest airport in Italy. It’s used by more than 11 million passengers a year, 27% of those flying into Milan, and is a hub for budget airlines like Ryanair. Many airlines list it by its unofficial name Milan/Bergamo or just Bergamo. It’s 45km northeast of Milan and is linked by bus to Bergamo’s train station and Milan.Bergamo Airport terminal map

What are the best ways to get from the airport to Milan’s city centre?

Taxi, train or bus are your best options, although your choice will depend on whether speed, cost or convenience is most important. Don’t bother renting a car; the only reason would be if you’re going elsewhere in northern Italy and need your own wheels. Expensive and hard-to-find parking, traffic congestion and confusing road layouts are all disincentives to driving.

Both terminals have train stations with ticket machines and ticket windows

Cons

Trains make several stops on the journey to Milan

There can be a long wait between trains

It’s not always clear which of several tracks you should use to catch the next train to Milan. If you’re on the wrong one it can be a mad scramble to go up and over to the correct platform.

TIP

The Malpensa Express is part of the Trenord network, which provides commuter and regional rail service around Milan and north all the way to Switzerland. If you’re heading to the Italian Lakes, check at the ticket window in case there’s a connection that saves you going all the way to Milan Centrale.

Malpensa Airport to Milan city centre by bus

Multiple companies link Malpensa and Milan Centrale, but given the convenience of the train, it’s hard to make a case for these services. There are bus stops at both terminals, and Terravision has the most frequent service. Fares are cheap, but the journey can be longer than advertised given traffic on Milan’s roads. From Centrale you can complete your journey via taxi, bus, tram, metro or even by foot if you’re staying close by. See below for how to get to your hotel.

Runs direct to the centre of Milan, where you can transfer to the Duomo stop on the M1 and M3 metro lines (see the Milan Metro map)

It’s frequent

Cons

Traffic can cause delays

No special accommodation for luggage

How do I get from Orio Al Serio Airport (Bergamo) to Milan?

Orio Al Serio Airport (Bergamo) to Milan city centre by taxi

Getting a taxi from Bergamo airport is the simplest way to reach central Milan, although it’s not always the easiest and definitely not good for the budget-conscious travellers who primarily use Bergamo.

Ease of journey: put luggage in the cab, hop in and get out at your destination

No need to navigate local transit when you reach Milan

Cons

Your fare is much more than your no-frills airline ticket

Orio Al Serio Airport (Bergamo)to Milan city centre by bus

There’s a direct transfer bus from Orio al Serio International Airport to Milan Centrale that’s quicker than the local bus-train connection below. Although there are several bus operators, Terravision is the main onc with the most frequent service.

Orio Al Serio Airport (Bergamo) to Milan city centre by train

From Bergamo airport, catch the local bus that runs every 20 minutes to the Bergamo train station. It takes about 15 minutes and costs €1.50. From here, buy your train ticket to Milan from the machine at the station and catch the next train.

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